By Michael McMullan

DOWN hurlers were dealt a significant blow with the loss of Tom McGrattan but manager Ronan Sheehan looks at the bigger picture.

The Portaferry man, named on this year’s Gaelic Life hurling team of the season, sustained a season-ending ACL injury in training.

McGrattan missed their Joe McDonagh Cup defeat to Laois. His loss is a significant blow as Down aim to get their season on track against Westmeath this weekend in Mullingar.

“If I’m being brutally honest, our biggest concern is Tom getting back to full fitness.

“It’s a blow to us to lose Tom but it’s a far bigger blow to Tom in terms of the injury and particularly in terms of his plans that he had to go to America over the summer.”

McGrattan had been in scintillating form as Down eventually secured promotion to Division One hurling for next season.

With Portaferry knocking on the Ulster Club door in recent seasons, his absence will be a blow to their hopes of retaining their county title later in the season.

“Most people know me long enough to know that my prime concern is for Tom McGrattan’s health and for him to get back to where he was,” Sheehan added.

“It’s a blow for us, it’s a blow for Down hurling but it’s a far bigger blow for Tom.

“Our focus will be on getting Tom back to being the best version of himself and we hope to see him back as soon as he possibly can.

“Everything we do will be focused on Tom McGrattan’s health and well-being first and foremost.”